Around 62% of reported UK and European venture value remains unrealised, while acquisitions now account for 98% of European technology exits. Trachet’s seven-step exercise helps founders and boards assess when to build, partner or buy, and carry that strategy through valuation, execution and integration.

European venture funding rose sharply in H1 2026, but most of the capital flowed to a small number of megadeals. For companies outside that group, improving the odds means creating a genuine re-rating event, demonstrating strategic value and developing fundraising and M&A options in parallel.

For Series A to C companies, AI is no longer simply an adoption question. This practical framework helps founders decide what to buy, build, partner for or acquire based on capital efficiency, defensibility and long-term enterprise value.

European founders have more financing options than ever, but more choice does not necessarily mean better decisions. This guide explains when equity, venture debt, bank financing and public capital make sense, and how startups should sequence them without sacrificing future flexibility.

How much will you actually make when you sell your startup? Most founders focus on valuation, but dilution, funding terms and timing often matter more. This guide breaks down how exit outcomes really work — and why raising another round doesn’t always lead to a better result.

Should you hire, cut or wait? In today’s market, hiring is no longer just a growth decision — it’s a capital allocation choice. This piece explores how headcount, burn rate and AI-driven productivity shape runway, valuation and fundraising outcomes in 2026.

The old startup playbook assumed time increased valuation — but today, risk is compounding faster than value. This piece explores why the J-curve is shifting and how founders should rethink timing for fundraising or exit.

How should you manage investors during a fundraise? Investor relations is no longer just reporting — it’s how founders maintain momentum, align stakeholders and preserve optionality before, during and after fundraising or M&A.

Should you sell your startup or keep raising? This guide explores the main exit paths — M&A, private equity and acquihire — and how founders decide which route creates the best outcome.

Preparing for fundraising or M&A? Your data room isn’t just documentation — it’s a signal of discipline. This guide shows how a structured, layered data room builds investor trust, controls disclosure and preserves leverage throughout the deal.

How do you extend runway in a tougher funding market? This guide explores how founders manage burn rate, cash flow and scenario planning to stay in control — and make better fundraising decisions in 2025.

Welcome to What's the Deal? - your monthly deep dive into the strategic currents defining the tech investment landscape. This edition unpacks the latest data and reports with a unique perspective on the trends shaping startup fundraisings in Q1-25. This edition focuses on the Deal Dream Team, and who you want by your side when there’s a crucial game to play.

Welcome to What's the Deal? - your monthly deep dive into the strategic currents defining the tech investment landscape. This edition unpacks the volatile market dynamics of 2025, with an exclusive look at how geopolitical shifts and technological disruption are reshaping M&A and fundraising strategies. Plus, our proprietary Cybersecurity industry analysis shows some optimistic signs for EMEA and general recovery of the market.

Welcome to the inaugural issue of What’s the Deal? - your monthly snapshot of data, insights and trends shaping the startup/scaleup tech ecosystem. Designed with founders, Board members, and VCs in mind, we’re here to deliver actionable perspectives and strategies on M&A and fundraising, with a focus on Series A to Series C stages.

This blog provides a snapshot of the themes and trends we’ve been discussing with national press in 2023.

We recently facilitated Accenture's successful acquisition of our client The Storytellers - a creative management consultancy that partners with CEOs and other C-Suite leaders to accelerate transformational change in an innovative and people-led approach. Click here to learn about our sell-side advisory strategy.

Trachet has been very active over the past few weeks. Claire Trachet, our CEO, has been invited to share her insights and expertise based on her experience with startup founders, investors, and corporates.

In this synopsis, we delve into AI, ChatGPT and whether the UK will remain as a hub for tech investment.

Company culture is suffering in the tech sector. Claire Trachet shares the steps you can take to retain staff, boost morale and avoid employee burnout.

Now you’re clear on what a negotiable offer would need, you have your team sheet ready to engage and you have an action plan to raise interest from potential acquirers – what do you do to run an actual exit process?